I did a flip in Matteson once and discovered the concept of mandatory city inspections prior to purchase.

I do understand the concept of having income paid directly in to the credit card.

I would recommend familiarizing yourself with the concept of house hacking.  

Once you have a proven concept, cashflow, and equity in properties, you will be able to find a small bank that will do a portfolio loan or commercial note for you.

I was interested in the concept of a house hack with a small multi family home in my area.

And again, always talking to other investors who've worked with them... proof of concept.

Originally posted by @Edward Skirvin:As a bit of history, my friend and I created an LLC to purchase rental properties in 2017, but didn't buy our first property until March 2018.

Thank you @Canesha Edwards!

My husband and I are in the market for a fixer-upper, and would like to turn whatever we buy into a two-story home with an open-concept first level, and a second-level that has three-bedrooms, and features  a loft - overlooking the first level.

Then you can show a proof of concept.